Everything You Wanted to Know About Outlast (But Were Afraid to Ask)

So you've heard the name "Outlast." Maybe you've seen it on a jacket tag, or a bedding label, or—let's be honest—you Googled it and got a bunch of results about a horror game instead. I get it. The name is shared across a lot of industries, from tires to deodorant to cosmetics. But if you're here for the fabric, you're in the right place.

I've been sourcing technical textiles for about five years now. In that time, I've placed over 200 orders for specialty fabrics—everything from waterproof membranes to conductive yarns. Outlast is one of those materials that keeps coming up, but people are often confused about what it actually does. So let's break it down, question by question.

What Exactly Is Outlast Fabric?

Outlast is a brand of temperature-regulating fabric that uses phase change material (PCM) technology. The short version: it's a textile that absorbs, stores, and releases heat to keep you from overheating or getting too cold.

The technology originally came from NASA research. Outlast licensees apply microencapsulated paraffin or similar PCMs to fabrics, coatings, or fibers. When your body temperature rises, the PCM melts (changes phase) and absorbs excess heat. When you cool down, it solidifies and releases that stored heat back. It's not magic—it's basic thermodynamics with a fancy business model.

One quick distinction: Outlast is a brand and a licensing model. They don't manufacture fabric themselves. They license the PCM technology to mills and brands who integrate it into their own products. So when you see an Outlast tag, it means the manufacturer is paying Outlast for the tech.

How Is Outlast Different From Other Insulation (Like Thinsulate or PrimaLoft)?

This is probably the most common question I get. It's also the easiest to answer if you understand the difference between insulation and regulation.

Insulation (Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, Polartec Alpha) traps body heat to keep you warm. That's its job. It prevents heat loss. Outlast doesn't trap heat—it buffers temperature swings. It doesn't keep you warm; it keeps you comfortable by smoothing out the peaks and valleys of your body's temperature change.

Think of it like this:

• Insulation: a thermos that keeps your coffee hot
• Outlast: a thermostat that prevents your coffee from burning your mouth or going cold

So yes, they can work together. Many premium sleeping bags and jackets layer PCM technology on top of traditional insulation. You get the warmth retention of the insulation and the comfort of the temperature regulation.

Can Outlast Replace My Existing Insulation?

Not exactly. If you're designing a jacket for -20°F winter conditions, Outlast alone isn't enough. It manages temperature, but it doesn't provide thermal resistance. Your customer will still feel cold if they're not wearing enough insulation.

Where Outlast shines is in combination. A mid-layer with Outlast PCMs can reduce sweating during high-output activity and delay the chill when you stop moving. I've seen this work really well in skiing and mountaineering gear—places where you're generating a lot of heat one minute and standing still the next.

That said, Outlast claims it can improve comfort in many moderate temperature use cases. Their marketing says it "provides up to 10°F temperature regulation." I'm not 100% sure that's consistent across every application, but I've personally tested PCM-lined gloves that stayed comfortable for 30 minutes longer than standard ones during static cold exposure. So there's something to it.

Is Outlast the Same as Phase Change Material (PCM)?

No, but it's the most well-known commercial application of PCM technology in textiles. Outlast licenses a specific version of microencapsulated PCM. There are other PCM fabric technologies out there (like Thermadrop or PCM from Vivo), but Outlast is the most established brand in apparel and bedding.

One thing to watch out for: some cheaper "temperature-regulating" fabrics just use a coating or finish that claims to move heat. They're not the same as true microencapsulated PCM. If you're sourcing for a premium product, I'd insist on seeing the Outlast certification or at least a third-party test report showing DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) data that confirms the PCM's energy storage capacity.

How Does Outlast Perform in High-Output Applications?

In my experience, this is where it gets interesting. I worked with a brand that was designing running gear for ultramarathoners. Their standard issue was moisture-wicking fabric, but they kept getting complaints about overheating and chills after long distances.

We ran a small trial with Outlast-treated shirts. The feedback was mixed: some testers reported noticeably less temperature fluctuation during their runs. Others said they couldn't tell the difference. So it's not a universal win.

Where I saw the benefit was in stitch-up scenarios—like when a runner alternated between running up hills and resting. The PCM buffered the spike and drop. But for steady-state running on flat terrain, the effect was minimal. Worth noting: if you're designing for stop-and-go sports (basketball, soccer, hockey), the benefit might be more pronounced than for continuous aerobic activity.

Caveat from my sourcing partner: Outlast claims 30% more comfort in some studies. But those studies are often funded by Outlast. Independent data is thinner. Take the numbers with a grain of salt.

Can I Wash Outlast Fabric? Does It Last?

Yes, but with care. The microcapsules are embedded in the fabric or coating. Standard washing can degrade them over time. Outlast recommends:

• Machine wash cold (40°C / 104°F max)
• Gentle cycle
• No bleach or fabric softener
• Tumble dry low or air dry

I've heard reports that after 50 washes, up to 20% of the PCM may be lost. That's not a guarantee—it depends on the specific product construction—but it's worth considering if you're sourcing for long-life products like sleeping bags or outerwear.

Durability has improved over the years. Early PCM fabrics had problems with capsules breaking during normal wear. Current microencapsulation methods are better, but it's still a trade-off: if you need a textile that will survive years of heavy use and harsh washing, Outlast might not be the best choice.

What About the Other "Outlast" Products (Goodyear Tires, Secret Deodorant, Covergirl)?

This is mostly a naming coincidence. Outlast as a brand focused on PCM technology has been around since the 1990s. The other products—Goodyear Outlast tires (which use a different heat-management technology), Secret Outlast deodorant (long-lasting), Covergirl Outlast (long-wear cosmetics)—are different products entirely, licensed or developed by different companies.

When you search for "Outlast" online, you'll inevitably find the Outlast horror video game series by Red Barrels. That's a different property entirely.

If you're in the textile business, just be clear about what you're referring to. When I'm sourcing Outlast fabrics, I always specify "Outlast PCM temperature-regulating fabric" or "Outlast by Glenoit" (a common licensee) in my purchase orders and correspondence. It avoids confusion with unrelated categories.

Is Outlast Worth the Premium Price?

This is a judgment call. Outlast fabrics cost more than standard materials. The licensing fee, the microencapsulation process, and the brand premium all add up.

For B2B buyers:

• If you're selling to an outdoor gear brand that wants a recognized temperature-regulation feature, Outlast has the brand value to justify the premium.
• If you're sourcing for a private-label product and don't need the licensing, a generic PCM fabric might be cheaper. But you lose the brand recognition and the quality assurance of a certified process.
• If your application is bedding (mattress pads, pillows), Outlast is one of the few PCM options with proven durability under body heat and pressure. Some generic PCMs break down faster in that environment.

My rule of thumb: Outlast is worth it if you have a product where temperature regulation is a key selling point and your customer will pay a premium for that feature. If you're competing on price, skip it. The market isn't big enough to pay a premium for marginal comfort improvement.

Any Other Alternatives to Outlast?

A few that I've tested or heard about:

• Coolmax: moisture-wicking, not temperature-regulating. Different mechanism entirely.
• Polartec Delta: some models with PCM integration, but less common.
• Thermadrop: a PCM-based alternative, smaller company.
• Generic Chinese-made PCM fabrics: cheaper, quality varies wildly. I've tested samples that had 60% less heat storage capacity than Outlast's spec. Not recommended without DSC testing.

If you're serious about temperature regulation, I'd start with Outlast or a certified equivalent. The market data on returns and comfort is decent, and the brand is recognized enough that you're not explaining from scratch.

One last thought: the best way to evaluate Outlast is to get a swatch and a temperature gun. Run a simple test: heat the fabric to 100°F, set it on a cool surface, and see how long it takes to drop to 70°F compared to a control fabric. It's not scientific, but it's a lot more useful than reading marketing copy.